FAQs about the Flu Vaccine

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You need both COVID-19 and INFLUENZA VACCINES to protect yourself, your family and your community.

Don’t have your COVID-19 vaccine? It’s safe to get it together with your influenza vaccine.

Should I leave a gap between getting the flu vaccination and the COVID-19 vaccine?

A: These vaccines can be administered at the same time. Since the COVID-19 vaccine became available, substantial data has now been collected regarding the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. At this time, there are no known safety concerns with administering both vaccines at the same time.

What is influenza?

A: Influenza (sometimes called the flu) is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs (respiratory tract) that is caused by a virus. Influenza can happen any time during the year, but most cases happen in the winter months.

You may also hear influenza called flu, bird flu, or H1N1. All of these mean the same thing as influenza, and the information below applies to all of them.

How is influenza spread?

A: Influenza is spread through the air. The virus gets in the air when someone with the disease coughs, sneezes, or even talks. People who breathe in the virus can get sick. It can also be spread by touching objects that have been coughed or sneezed on by someone with the virus.

We recommend all Albertans receive both the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as the influenza vaccine as soon as possible to ensure the health and safety of themselves, and the greater community.

Is the influenza vaccine safe?

Yes. In Canada, vaccines are tested in the laboratory and in people (clinical trials). Vaccines must pass a strict licensing process with the federal government before they can be used. Once a vaccine has been approved for use, every batch that is made at the same time (called a lot) is tested for safety and quality. Canada and other countries also continually monitor the safety of vaccines being used. You can’t get influenza disease from the influenza vaccine.